But even if you choose not to work anymore in any capacity after retirement, be sure to plan out each day and keep yourself busy. Sitting around doing nothing is nice for a while – you’ve earned it, but it gets old fast if it continues day after day, month after month.

3. Spend Plenty of Time Outdoors

Activities like snowbirding will make it easier to spend more time outside instead of cooped up in the house. But wherever you reside, make a point of getting out every day for some fresh air and sunshine.

Take walks to the park or downtown. Stop to smell the roses and hear the birds chirp. And visit state and national parks to see examples of nature still fully intact.

The beauty, wonder, and peacefulness of the great outdoors never loses its charm.

4. Get a Pet and Make It Part of the Family

Pet ownership can be as therapeutic to the pet owner as it is beneficial to the well cared for pet.

A dog or cat (and with some personalities, perhaps, a lizard or a fish), can offer emotional support and give you a furry little friend to think about and look after.

Lavish plenty of love, affection, and goodies on your pet: go ahead and spoil him/her and treat Fido or Fluffy like a true family member.

5. Contribute to Charitable Causes

Finally, giving can be more rewarding than getting; as they say, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Give not just money, but your time and effort to worthy causes.

Seek them out, don’t wait for them to come knocking on your door since maybe they never will. You’ll help others, feel better, and meet new friends.

And it will give you something new and interesting to spend some of your time on in addition to being one of the most useful things anyone can do.

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; a website dedicated to opening your eyes to the wild & natural world.

Committed to bringing you the best in adventure travel from all around the globe, there is no mountain too high, and no fete too extreme! They haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on their list.